5 days, 4 nights at the Island Palm Hotel for only $99
With its impressive combination of ecological wonders and manmade attractions, Grand Bahama Island generously offers something for everyone, including two or three vacations in one. The challenge is deciding which to try first.
Following the development of Freeport and Lucaya in the 1950s, Grand Bahama Island has quickly become an island of cosmopolitan glitz and glamour nestled among miles of beaches, nature preserves, and endless seas. Its variety of cultural experiences and ecological wonders has blessed the island with an equally impressive variety of vacation adventures for all ages, provided they are young at heart.
Grand Bahama Island Map
click on map to enlarge:
Click to view a specific activity, or scroll down to view them all:
Grand Bahama Island's rambling, reef-protected shoreline and cays are filled with numerous powdery white-sand beaches. The premier beach on the island is secluded Gold Rock Beach, which is a must-see at low tide when it unfolds its signature "welcome mat."
You can generally find two kinds of beaches on Grand Bahama Island, the "activity beach" and the "secluded beach." Each is captivating for its own reasons.
At the activity beaches, you'll find a multitude of fun and games, including, but not limited to, jet skiing, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
Half the fun of secluded beaches is discovering them. The best hunting grounds are on the southwest and southeast sides of the island. Following the main highway either west or east, you'll come across miles of empty sand soon enough.
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One of the most exquisite features on Grand Bahama Island is the emerald green water. Not only is the water beautiful, but it's also ideal for a variety of water sports.
 Fishing
Grand Bahama Island is considered one of the premier destinations in the world for sportfishing. If you're ready for a good fight, then strap yourself in and get ready to hook onto a marlin, sailfish, blue, and yellowfin tuna, bonefish, or barracuda-to name a few.
One of the world's best game fish-the bonefish-not only likes the waters of Grand Bahama Island, but is more at home here than anywhere else in the world. The flats off Deep Water Cay, in the East, are praised year after year by fishing writers from around the globe. The Old Bahama Flats off West End also yield great catches.
Fly-fishing, particularly for bonefish, is quickly gaining popularity on Grand Bahama Island and throughout The Islands of The Bahamas. Next to golf, it is the fastest growing sport. The best time to go fishing is between April and September, though winter is good too.
In addition to independent fishing guides, there are several water-sports companies, marinas, hotels and picturesque lodges in the Eastern and Western areas that cater to the sport exclusively. They would be more than happy to lead you to the best fishing grounds-for a reasonable price.
Jetskiing
Jet skis are another way to enjoy and explore the waters of The Bahamas. Many companies offer jet ski rentals and are located in all major hotels on Grand Bahama Island's beaches. Ride solo or ride with a partner, and always ride safe.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is the best way for inexperienced ocean swimmers to become acquainted with the stunning beauty of the Bahamian reefs. Equipment and instruction can be found at many hotels, and reefs teeming with marine life can be found on every island.
Grand Bahama Island's distinctive coral and reef formations make the clear, often-shallow blue water remarkably more rewarding for snorkelers.
Reef 'n Wreck Snorkeling Cruise
www.bahamasvg.com/reeftours
P. O. Box F-42609
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-373-5880
Fax: +1 242-373-5260
Snorkeling Tours: $30 adults / $16 children
Diving
Grand Bahama Island's reputation as a diver's paradise has been growing ever since the earliest episodes of "Sea Hunt" were filmed here. Elaborate coral gardens, playful dolphins, and beckoning blue holes-these are images of the "other" Grand Bahama Island, ones that live beneath a shimmering blue surface that sprawls outwards from the beaches.
Grand Bahama Island is of course also famous for its "blue holes"-spectacular azure portals in the reefs through which you can descend, surrounded by reef wall on all sides. Part of the reason for the dense and unique reef structure is the massive limestone base on which The Islands Of The Bahamas rest, a phenomenon that also accounts for what is perhaps Grand Bahama Island's most extraordinary submarine feature: the second largest underwater cave system in the world. Located in the Lucayan National Park, the caves are still being explored, and there are numerous special dive programs that can take you into them (provided you are cave certified).
See also National Parks (below) for more information about Lucayan National Park and cave diving experiences.
You must be certified to dive in The Bahamas and there are several dive operators in Grand Bahama Island that offer dive certification. Even kids over age 12 can get certified and dive under adult supervision.
UNEXSO
Underwater Explorers Society
www.unexso.com
Main Headquarters:
P.O. Box 42433
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242 373-1244
Fax: +1 242 373-8956
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Grand Bahama Island averages seven hours of completely sunny skies per day, and rain seldom lasts for longer than it takes to get under cover-even during the rainy season. So there's no season to limit play here, just year-round blue skies and warm weather. While some golfers may view the Atlantic Ocean as one great water hazard, others know that championship fairways and greens are only a chip-shot away.
Emerald Golf Course
www.theroyaloasis.com/golf.html
Mall at Sunrise
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-350-7000
Fax: +1 242-350-7045
This 6,679 yard course is cut through thick and beautiful vegetation but has wide fairways and landing areas. The greens are well protected with numerous bunkers, and sand comes into play on several of your drives. This course allows you to pull the "Big Dawg" out on all of the par 4s and 5s, and from the back tees, a couple of the par 3s might need the driver. The Fazio Design Group has turned this course into a challenge for all levels of play.
Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club
P. O. Box F-42619
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-373-4500
Fax: +1 242-373-5090
Fortune Hills is the centerpiece of a luxurious golf and country club community setting. The 17-acre course, built in 1971, is a Championship 9-hole golf course designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee. It offers challenging holes on some of the most expansive elevated greens in The Islands of The Bahamas. The number one handicap hole is the par 4 third, a 400-yard layout. It is the only water hole on the nine-hole course and has the smallest green.
Greens fees are: 18 holes, $51; 9 holes, $35 (both include cart). Club rental: 18 holes, $15; 9 holes, $10. There is a 5% discount for green fees with condo rental.
Our Lucaya Country Club
www.ourlucaya.com/lucayan_course.asp
P. O. Box F-40333
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-373-1066/7
U.S. Toll Free: 1-800-OUR LUCAYA
Fax: +1 242-373-6659
This 6,824 yard course, designed by Dick Wilson in 1962, places a premium on accuracy. Well-bunkered greens and generous fairways wander through pine tree stands and dense tropical underbrush. A sense of privacy prevails; foursomes rarely see each other during a round. Constant upgrades of the golf course and its facilities ensure the highest standards of golf. Tif dwarf grass -- a superior Bermuda grass, creates a faster truer putting surface.
Our Lucaya Reef Golf Course
www.ourlucaya.com/reef_course.asp
P. O. Box F-40333
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-373-2002
U.S. Toll Free: 1-800-OUR LUCAYA
Fax: +1 242-373-6659
This 6,930 yard course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., showcases picturesque lakes on 13 of the 18 holes that make up the course. Large, undulating greens, and wide, winding fairways complete the experience on this unique links-style course.
Ruby Golf Course
www.theroyaloasis.com/golf.html
Mall at Sunrise
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-350-7000
Fax: +1 242-350-7045
golfinfo@crowneplazagrandbahama.com
This course stretches over 6,750 yards, with trade winds always blowing, seemingly in your face, on every hole. The Fazio Design Group's reshaping of fairways, bunkers and greens has taken this Joe Lee design to a new level of playability. Numerous sugar-white bunkers give the eye a pleasing contrast against the emerald colored fairways and greens - but steer clear of these steep lipped traps or the results may not be sweet.
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Today's Bahamians continue the tradition of the early Lucayan and Taino Indians by producing distinctive arts and crafts that reflect the skill and artistry of their heritage. Bahamians utilize local resources to create unique foods, spices, ceramics, crafts, art, and music. There are also local arts and crafts to be found in the numerous straw markets.
The two main shopping areas on the island are the International Bazaar and the Port Lucaya Marketplace. There is also fine shopping to be found in the downtown area. Most stores in Freeport/Lucaya are open Mon.-Sat., 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Food stores are open 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. all week, but on Sundays they are open only from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Bandolera
Port Lucaya Marketplace
Phone: +1 242-373-7691
Fine European women's clothing, accessories and shoes.
Island Galleria
Port Lucaya
Phone: +1 242-352-8194
Island Galleria has a selection of treasured gifts like porcelain and crystal. They carry top quality brands like Lenox, Wedgewood, Aynsley, Port Meirion & Royal Doulton.
Nautique Shoppe
Port Lucaya Marketplace
Phone: +1 242-373-1522
Nautique Shoppe is a unique nautical art, clothing and souvenir emporium. One-of-a-kind marine art crafted by local artisans, assorted sea shells, kids' corner, Kahala shirts & shorts, Guy Harvey originals, Sea life jewelry, Nautical golf shirts for ladies and men and many, many other items!
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Grand Bahama Island has made significant contributions to Bahamian cooking. Roasted conch, which can now be found all over the islands, was developed by Grand Bahamian chef Joe Billy (Billy Joe), then later achieved great exposure through Tony Macaroni, another local chef and character. Spiny Lobster, is another major tradition. This clawless lobster is considered a delicacy, and is relatively plentiful in the surrounding waters. You'll find it on almost every menu.
For a unique cultural and dining experience, venture out to the Wednesday night "Fish Fry" at Smith's Point, an event that was started a number of years ago by the residents of that small town to help raise funds for their church. It has become so popular that similar fish fries have spread to Nassau on New Providence Island. The Fish Fry is an excellent opportunity to get better acquainted with both the native fish and the local residents.
You'll also not want to miss the "Mini Crab Fest" held every Friday night at The Churchill Garden Bar next to the International Bazaar. The indigenous "land-crab" (primarily native to Andros island) is the main attraction here. Mr. Oscar Porter, the proprietor and a descendant from Andros, proudly serves up dishes like Andros Boiled Crab & Dough with Cassava, Andros Crab Soup and Andros Stuffed Crab. Accompaniments are their famous "Gully Wash" (a concoction of green coconut juice, sweetened milk and gin) and the music of a native Rake & Scrape band. The feast begins at 6:30 p.m.; be sure to get there early, as these delicacies often sell out quickly.
Back Home Native Hut
Sergeant Major Road
Phone: +1 242-373-4790
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
Club Caribe
Phone: +1 242-373-6866
Lunch and dinner daily (closed monday).
Fatman's Nephew
Port Lucaya Marketplace
Phone: +1 242-373-8520
Lunch and dinner daily (closed Tuesday and Sunday).
Margarita Villa Sand Bar
P. O. Box F-40295
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-373-4525
Our air conditioned restaurant is a friendly island bar with additional outdoor bar and decking featuring tropical drink specialties, a good selection of foods and a beautiful unspoilt beach for excellent swimming, snorkeling, walking and relaxing. And for the more active, a beachfront volleyball net is available.
Join us for our Bonfire on the beach, The Best in Town!! From 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., party under the stars, island style, music, games, dancing, great food and much more. Enjoy this fun filled evening at its unique location, on one of Grand Bahama Island's finest beaches. We promise you a night you'll never forget! Transportation is included, pick-up from your resort 6:00 pm.
Please ensure reservations are made with your tour representative.
Tranquility Shores
P. O. Box F-60462
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-374-4460
Grand Bahama's premier beachside facility on world-famous Taino Beach, dedicated to up-scale corporate and group functions, and family outings.
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The Freeport/Lucaya area is renowned for providing fun in the sun. You'll be happy to know there are also plenty of places to make that fun last until after dark. There is an ample supply of nightclubs where you can get a taste of the local sounds, several discos where you can dance almost 'til dawn, a casino with virtually nonstop action, and the square at Port Lucaya Marketplace, which usually has some special activity the whole family can enjoy. Plus, there is always the option of finding a small bar by the beach, where you can toss back Bahama Mamas, eat conch fritters, and watch the moonlight dance on the ocean.
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Grand Bahama Island is an ecological wonder waiting to be discovered.
Yes, you'll find miles of beaches, but you'll also find miles of park trails. So whether you explore the quaint fishing villages of West End, take a nature walk through our national parks, or explore an underwater cave system, you'll return home knowing there's more to see and do on the next ecotour.
Grand Bahama Island Ecotourism Association
The island has affirmed is dedication to the environment by establishing its own Ecotourism Association, whose mission is to "educate and promote the natural, cultural, and historical features of Grand Bahama Island." Founding members include the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, Chamber of Commerce, and Bahamas National Trust.
Business members include the Rand Nature Center, Garden of the Groves, Hydroflora Gardens, Kayak Nature Tours, East End Adventures, Paradise Cove, Pinetree Stables, and Twin Gables. Companies wishing to join must follow several guidelines designed to minimized the environmental impact of tourism. Some of the issues that the association addresses are littering, marine debris, and uncontrolled coastal activity.
See also National Parks (below) for more information about Rand Nature Center, Lucayan National Park and Peterson Cay National Reserve.
Garden of The Groves
www.gardenofthegroves.com
P. O. Box F-43282
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-373-5668
Fax: +1 242-373-2177
Considered one of the finest botanical Gardens in the Caribbean, the Garden of the Groves has more than 10,000 species of flowers, shrubs, trees, and exotic plant life. Along its shaded, winding paths are several waterfalls and exotic native birds. It is an ideal spot for those simply seeking a serene setting for quiet reflection.
Its old-fashioned chapel is also the perfect place for a romantic, tropical wedding. Winding paths, duck ponds and cascading waterfalls provide the perfect backdrop for those keepsake photos. Floral patterns of gardenias, bougainvillea, and hibiscus to name a few, make beautiful bouquets that will certainly compliment whatever is worn on that special occasion.
The garden is open Sunday to Monday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. Tickets are available for sale until 3:30 p.m.
Hydroflora Gardens
P.O. Box F-41239
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-352-6052
Fax: +1 242-373-6976
Hydroflora Gardens, located in Freeport, offers visitors a fascinating look into the science and technique of "hydroponics" - growing plants without soil. The tropical and sub-tropical flowers and plants produced on this five-acre compound are as beautiful as their growth process is interesting. Among the unusual exhibits are several of what is called "Bible" plants and a sunken garden. The Garden is open Monday to Friday 9a.m.-5:30p.m. and Saturday 9a.m.-4p.m. Guided tours and group rates are available.
Kayak Nature Tours
P.O. Box F-41230
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone and Fax: +1 242-373-2485
kayaknaturetours@coralwave.com
www.bahamasvg.com/kayak.html
Kayak Nature Tours Ltd. is Freeport's most experienced kayak Eco-tour operator. We maintain the personal touch by keeping our groups small. Our trained guides are committed to your comfort and safety and cheerfully share their knowledge of local history, ecology, flora and fauna. The tour begins with a nature walk through the Lucayan National Park and Caves. Then, you kayak through the quiet waters of Gold Rock Creek, where the water is never more than waist deep. The creek is a pristine mangrove environment and a habitat for bird and marine life. You'll also have time to swim, snorkel and relax on beautiful Gold Rock Beach, one of our most spectacular beaches. The tour price is $69 per person, which includes transportation to and from your hotel, equipment and a picnic lunch; non-kayakers are welcome to enjoy the other features of the tour at a discount. Visa and Master Cards accepted.
Paradise Cove
Phone: +1 242 349 2677
Fax: +1 242 352 5471
Located 15 miles from the International Bazaar in Freeport, Paradise Cove is tucked away on the southwestern shore of the island. It offers direct access to Deadman's Reef, which abounds with a myriad of marine life; and Duck Pond, which is known for its wild ducks and wetland birds, such as egrets and blue herons.
Paradise Cove Beach Resort provides a snorkeling tour, complete with lunch, transportation and equipment, at $30.00. It is also accessible by public bus or rental car. The resort is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to sunset.
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There are three national parks on Grand Bahama Island. Lucayan National Park, the star of the triad, is the only place in the Bahamas where visitors can see all six of the island's ecosystems - a collection of plants and wildlife that offers an unparalleled view into the complex interaction of native land and sea. Also within the park is one of the world's longest underwater cave systems - a sprawling network of tunnels resulting from the island's unique limestone geology. The Rand Nature Center, with its resident flamingo colony, and reef-enveloped Peterson Cay National Park are equally thrilling in their beauty.
Lucayan National Park
Grand Bahama Highway
(13 miles east of Freeport)
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242 352 5438
Brilliant teal waters, flour-soft beaches, and lavish tropical resorts are how the uninitiated imagine The Bahamas. Nobody thinks of pine forests, huge caves brimming with stalagmites, and pidgeon plum trees. Surely, such a landscape belongs to some other place, Colorado maybe. Pine trees, after all, just don't sound tropical. Well, they are. At Lucayan National Park (about 25 miles east of Freeport) you'll see thousands of them, along with mangroves, ferns, and dozens of rare flower species, including orchids. You'll probably come back with a whole new idea of what the islands are. The 40-acre park, established in 1982, provides an unparalleled glimpse into the complexities of the Grand Bahamian environment, where the beaches represent only one of six distinct ecosystems -- all of which are present in the park.
The park is also home to one of the world's longest underwater cave systems. These caves are also among the most environmentally distinct. The vast tunnel system, accessible by both land and sea, was created over eons by the seepage of acidified rainwater into the island's limestone base. Diving in the caves is allowed in specified areas only and by special permission from UNEXSO.
UNEXSO
Underwater Explorers Society
www.unexso.com
Main Headquarters:
P.O. Box 42433
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242 373-1244
Fax: +1 242 373-8956
Peterson Cay National Reserve
Phone: +1 242-352-5438 (Bahamas National Trust)
One mile off the southern shore of Grand Bahama Island lies 1-1/2 acre Peterson Cay, one of the smallest National Parks in the Bahamas. Protected park area includes the cay as well as the surrounding one-quarter mile of marine environment.
In 1959 an Act of Parliament created The Bahamas National Trust as a non-profit, non-governmental organization charged with the conservation of natural resources and preservation of places of historic interest. The Trust manages Peterson Cay National Park and all other national parks in The Islands of The Bahamas.
Shallow bars and coral reefs, especially west of the cay, make for excellent snorkeling and diving. Amongst coral blends and sunken rocks swimmers are able to observe schools of tropical fish, elkhorn and soft corals, sea fans and an occasional manta ray or barracuda.
Sparsely vegetated with low scrub, this windswept limestone island is the only cay on Grand Bahama's leeward shore. Shady areas are scarce and visitors are advised to wear hats, sunscreen and bring drinking water. A sandy white beach on the north side provides boat access and is excellent for swimming and sunbathing. Peterson Cay is a perfect getaway spot for picnics and relaxation.
Getting There:
Access to Peterson Cay National Park is by boat only. Boaters must use care and anchor only in sandy areas away from coral reefs.
Park Rules:
Law protects all plant and animal life within the park boundaries. Fishing, shelling and damage to or removal of any coral or plant life - live or dead - is strictly prohibited.
Disposal or leaving of waste, garbage, litter, ash coals or embers within park boundaries is not permitted.
Please, remember to take nothing but pictures and leave only footprints.
Rand Nature Centre
P.O. Box F-42441
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Phone: +1 242-352-5438
Fax: +1 242-351-4192
The Rand Nature Center was named for James H. Rand, a renowned philanthropist of Freeport, who died in 1968. The 100-acre sanctuary was the first education nature center to be established in The Islands of The Bahamas and its goal is to preserve the natural Grand Bahamian habitat as a heritage for future generations. Located only minutes from downtown Freeport, the Rand Nature center is Grand Bahama Island's most accessible national park.
Most people come to the Rand Nature Center to see its prized West Indian flamingos -- the national bird of the Islands of the Bahamas. The birds nest and mill around a pond located about a half-mile inside the park. Other birds are also plentiful, including Antillean Peewee birds, Red-legged Thrushes, Stripe-headed Tanagers, the endangered Bahama Parrot and, occasionally, a Kirtland's Warbler. Along the nature trail that winds through the park, at least 130 Bahamian plants have been identified, which are just as fascinating as the birds. The Whiskbroom Fern, for instance, is believed to have been the first plant in the world to stand upright. Many other species became very useful in the daily lives of early Grand Bahamians: Uniola, a springy grass, was used to stuff mattresses; the sharp-pointed Agave leaves served as needles and threads; and Love Vine is a powerful aphrodisiac. The Rand Nature Center has a Gift Shop, featuring local art, books, nature jewelry and gifts.
Educational exhibits include island ecology, plants and their uses, cultural and natural history of Grand Bahama Island. The Nature Center is open for self-guided tours, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. It also provides educational tours and is a great resource facility for ecological subjects. Among its programmes geared to school children is "Adopt An Animal For Your Class," which helps children to learn above native animals and assist in conservation efforts.
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The Island Palm Hotel is located on the beautiful island of Freeport in the Bahamas, 1 mile from the Freeport International Airport. Relax at the Hibiscus Pool Bar or take the complimentary shuttle (7 minutes) for a day at the beach.
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With its impressive combination of ecological wonders and manmade attractions, Grand Bahama Island generously offers something for everyone, including two or three vacations in one. The challenge is deciding which to try first.
More...
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